Maine Question 4, Development and Maintenance of Trails Bond Issue (2024)

Maine Question 4
Election date November 5, 2024
Topic Bond issues
Status a Approved
Type Bond issue	Origin State Legislature

Maine Question 4, the Development and Maintenance of Trails Bond Issue, was on the ballot in Maine as a legislatively referred bond question on November 5, 2024. The ballot measure was approved.

A "yes" vote supported authorizing $30 million in general obligation bonds for the development and maintenance of outdoor trails.

A "no" vote opposed authorizing $30 million in general obligation bonds for the development and maintenance of outdoor trails.

Election results

Maine Question 4
Result		Votes	Percentage
Yes		440,560	55.40%
No		354,626	44.60%

Results are officially certified.

Source

Overview

What was this bond measure designed to provide money for?

See also: Text of measure

This bond issue authorized $30 million in general obligation bonds to the design, development, and maintenance of outdoor trails, to be matched by at least $3 million in public and private contributions. The bonds were designed to be used for nonmotorized, motorized, and multi-use trails, as well as trailheads and trailside amenities. Out of this amount, 25% of the funds must be used for nonmotorized trails, 25% must be used for motorized trails, and 50% for multi-use trails.

According to the fiscal note, the estimated cost of the bond was $36.1 million, with a $30 million in principal and, assuming a 3.75% interest rate over 10 years, $6.18 million in interest.

What were recent bond measures on the ballot in Maine?

See also: Background

Voters of Maine cast ballots on 42 bond issues, totaling $1.65 billion ($1,647,925,000) in value, from 2007 to 2023. Voters approved 41 of 42 bond issues between 2007 and 2023. The last bond measure voters decided was in 2021, when voters approved Question 2 by 71.97%-28.03%.

Text of measure

Ballot title

The official ballot title was as follows:

“

Do you favor a $30,000,000 bond issue to invest in the design, development and maintenance for nonmotorized, motorized and multi-use trails statewide, to be matched by at least $3,000,000 in private and public contributions?

”

The full text of the ballot initiative is below:

Readability score

See also: Ballot measure readability scores, 2024

Using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) formulas, Ballotpedia scored the readability of the ballot title for this measure. Readability scores are designed to indicate the reading difficulty of text. The Flesch-Kincaid formulas account for the number of words, syllables, and sentences in a text; they do not account for the difficulty of the ideas in the text. The secretary of state wrote the ballot language for this measure.

The FKGL for the ballot title is grade level 17, and the FRE is 30. The word count for the ballot title is 33.

Support

Partnership for Maine Trails led the campaign in support of Question 4.

Supporters

Officials

• Gov. Janet T. Mills (D)
• State Sen. Richard Bennett (R)
• State Sen. Russell Black (R)
• State Rep. Jessica Fay (D)

Corporations

• L.L. Bean

Organizations

• ATV Maine
• Maine Municipal Association
• Maine Snowmobile Association
• Maine State Chamber of Commerce
• Maine Tourism Association
• Maine Youth Camping Association
• The Trust for Public Land

Arguments

• Angela Arno, executive director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Corporation: "From my background in marketing, I believe Maine has the potential to become broadly recognized as the state with the most incredible trails in the Eastern United State. Outstanding trails could easily become part of Maine’s brand identity, drawing people to our state for recreation, to support and start businesses, and to relocate."
• John Raymond, president of ATV Maine and Northern Maine Timber Cruisers: "Maine has some of the most amazing trail experiences in the country, and the potential for the future is incredible. But to achieve that future, we need to recognize that trails do not maintain themselves. It takes hard work and money to build and maintain our trails, but Maine is not investing in our trails, even as they are battered by storms and are experiencing record use."
• Deb Bowker, recreation director of Carrabassett Valley: "Trails are one of the most important resources for Maine towns, providing outdoor experiences for people of all ages and drawing visitors who provide a real economic stimulus. We’ve seen explosive growth in trail use in Carrabassett Valley over the past decade, and there’s no sign of it slowing down. The Trails Bond will help tap into that momentum, helping Maine trails rival any in the country."
• Enock Glidden, outdoor accessibility specialist: "As a wheelchair user and lifelong resident of Maine, I grew up in a time when accessibility was not at the forefront of most people’s minds. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about the Maine Trails Bond. This bill will go a long way toward providing accessible opportunities for people like me to be surrounded by nature and reap the benefits of what Maine’s outdoors has to offer."

Opposition

Ballotpedia did not locate a campaign in opposition to the ballot measure.

Campaign finance

See also: Campaign finance requirements for Maine ballot measures

The campaign finance information on this page reflects the most recent scheduled reports that Ballotpedia has processed, which covered through December 10, 2024.

Partnership for Maine Trails registered as a political action committee in support of Question 4.

	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Support	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14
Oppose	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00	$0.00
Total	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14

Support

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committees in support of the measure.

Committees in support of Question 4
Committee	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Partnership for Maine Trails	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14
Total	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14

Donors

The following were the top donors to the committee.

Donor	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions
Natural Resources Council of Maine	$0.00	$35,126.89	$35,126.89
Natural Resources Council of Maine	$0.00	$29,570.38	$29,570.38
L.L. Bean	$25,000.00	$0.00	$25,000.00
REI	$20,000.00	$0.00	$20,000.00
Maine Snowmobile Association	$5,500.00	$6,352.50	$11,852.50

Media editorials

See also: 2024 ballot measure media endorsements

Support

The following media editorial boards published an editorial supporting the ballot measure:

• Portland Press Herald Editorial Board: "This is the definition of a “bipartisan,” both-sides-of-the-aisle idea. By making our trails better and more accessible, we’re increasing their utility and their appeal. We’ll improve their chances of being used as commuter routes; of recruiting newcomers to outdoor recreation; and of linking up towns and cities in valuable ways. This is an investment in Mainers and much as it is in Maine. Our tourism and hospitality sectors stand to benefit greatly. Our children stand to benefit. Our environment stands to benefit, in the short term and the long. On top of all that, we’re particularly in favor of the provision for a private/public funding match, a mechanism that rightly seeks to mobilize local support for this most valuable – and lucrative – of our assets."
• Bangor Daily News Editorial Board: "Question 4, is a $30 million bond for trails in Maine. While voters have approved several bonds for land acquisition for public recreation, hunting and commercial fishing, the state has not previously borrowed money to support the development and maintenance of trails. Increasingly, outdoor recreation has become an important economic driver in communities across Maine. Snowmobile trails, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and trails accessible to people in wheelchairs have become part of long-range plans as communities plan their futures. This bond can help jumpstart this work, which will benefit Mainers and visitors."

Opposition

Ballotpedia did not locate media editorial boards in opposition to the ballot measure.

Support

The following table includes contribution and expenditure totals for the committee supporting the measure.

Committees in support of Question 4
Committee	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions	Cash Expenditures	Total Expenditures
Partnership for Maine Trails	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14
Total	$102,500.00	$40,129.60	$142,629.60	$98,708.54	$138,838.14

Donors

The following were the top donors to the committee.

Donor	Cash Contributions	In-Kind Contributions	Total Contributions
Natural Resources Council of Maine	$0.00	$35,126.89	$35,126.89
Natural Resources Council of Maine	$0.00	$29,570.38	$29,570.38
L.L. Bean	$25,000.00	$0.00	$25,000.00
REI	$20,000.00	$0.00	$20,000.00
Maine Snowmobile Association	$5,500.00	$6,352.50	$11,852.50

Background

Bond issues on the ballot in Maine

See also: Bond issues on the ballot

Voters of Maine cast ballots on 42 bond issues, totaling $1.65 billion ($1,647,925,000) in value, from January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2024. Voters approved 41 of 42 bond issues between 2007 and 2023. The last bond measure to be rejected was Question 2 (2012), which would have authorized $11 million in bonds to expand the state's community college system.

The following table contains information on the 42 bond issues that appeared on the ballot in Maine between January 1, 2007, through January 1, 2024:
Note: Click "Show" to expand the table.

Year	Measure	Amount	Primary purpose	Outcome
2007 (June)	Question 1	$112,975,000	Transportation projects	a
2007 (June)	Question 2	$18,300,000	Water facilities	a
2007	Question 2	$55,000,000	Economic development	a
2007	Question 3	$43,500,000	Higher education	a
2007	Question 4	$35,500,000	Environmental conservation and recreation	a
2008 (June)	Question 1	$29,725,000	Water facilities and transportation projects	a
2008	Question 3	$3,400,000	Water facilities	a
2009	Question 6	$71,250,000	Transportation projects	a
2010 (June)	Question 2	$26,500,000	Energy projects and higher education	a
2010 (June)	Question 3	$47,800,000	Transportation projects	a
2010 (June)	Question 4	$23,750,000	Economic development	a
2010 (June)	Question 5	$10,250,000	Water facilities	a
2010	Question 2	$5,000,000	Healthcare services	a
2010	Question 3	$9,750,000	Environmental conservation and recreation	a
2012	Question 2	$11,300,000	Higher education	d
2012	Question 3	$5,000,000	Environmental conservation and recreation	a
2012	Question 4	$51,500,000	Transportation projects	a
2012	Question 5	$7,925,000	Water facilities	a
2013	Question 1	$14,000,000	Military facilities	a
2013	Question 2	$15,500,000	Higher education	a
2013	Question 3	$100,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2013	Question 4	$4,500,000	Higher education	a
2013	Question 5	$15,500,000	Higher education	a
2014	Question 2	$8,000,000	Agricultural research	a
2014	Question 3	$12,000,000	Economic development	a
2014	Question 4	$10,000,000	Healthcare research	a
2014	Question 5	$3,000,000	Healthcare research	a
2014	Question 6	$10,000,000	Water facilities and environmental conservation	a
2014	Question 7	$7,000,000	Economic development	a
2015	Question 2	$15,000,000	Housing projects	a
2015	Question 3	$85,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2016	Question 6	$100,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2017	Question 1	$50,000,000	Economic development	a
2017	Question 3	$105,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2018	Question 2	$30,000,000	Water facilities	a
2018	Question 3	$106,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2018	Question 4	$49,000,000	Higher education	a
2018	Question 5	$15,000,000	Higher education	a
2019	Question 1	$105,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2020	Question 1	$15,000,000	Internet infrastructure	a
2020	Question 2	$105,000,000	Transportation projects	a
2021	Question 2	$100,000,000	Transportation projects	a

Debt from voter-approved bonds

The state treasurer provided an overview of the state’s debt resulting from general obligation bonds, which included voter-approved bonds. A general obligation bond constitutes a public debt and is paid for through state funds. Section 14 of Article IX of the Maine Constitution requires that general obligation bonds exceeding $2 million be referred to the ballot for voter approval.

Maine had $559.37 million in debt from general obligation bonds in June 2023. The graph below provides an illustration of state debt from general obligation bonds and the annual amount of unissued bonds in millions of dollars between June 30, 2005, and June, 2023.

Path to the ballot

In Maine, voter approval is required for state bond issues that exceed $2 million, with exceptions to bonds for the purpose of suppressing insurrection, repelling invasion, or for purposes of war, as well as for temporary loans paid out of money raised by taxation during the fiscal year which they are made, or for loans to be paid within 12 months with federal transportation funds.

A two thirds majority (66.67%) vote is required during one legislative session for the Maine State Legislature to place a bond issue on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 101 votes in the Maine House of Representatives and 24 votes in the Maine State Senate, assuming no vacancies. State bond issues require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

The legislation was introduced as Maine LD 1156 in the 2023-2024 legislative session. On April 11, 2024, the measure passed the House. On April 16, 2024, the measure passed the Senate by 29-3. Governor Janet Mills (D) signed the measure on April 22, 2024.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Maine

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Maine.

How to vote in Maine

Poll times

In Maine, municipalities with a population of 500 or more open their polls between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., while municipalities with a population of less than 500 open their polls between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. All polls close at 8:00 p.m. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.

Registration

Check your voter registration status here.

To register to vote in Maine, one must be "a United States citizen, at least 16 years of age to pre-register to vote, and have established a fixed principal home in Maine. To vote in a Referendum or General Election, you must be registered in the community where you reside, and be at least 18 years of age. A 17 year old may vote in a Primary Election, if that person will be 18 by the General Election."

Voters can return completed registration cards in person or by mail to their town office or city hall, any Motor Vehicle branch office, most state & federal social service agencies, or a voter registration drive. There is no deadline for voter registration if completed in person. If registering by mail or online, the deadline is 21 days prior to the election. If registering through a qualified state agency, the deadlines is seven days prior to the election.

When registering for the first time in Maine, voters must provide documents verifying their identity and residence. The following documents are acceptable identification for the purpose of registering to vote:

• Government ID with a photo (i.e. driver’s license, State ID, valid U.S. Passport, military ID, ID card issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe)
• Government ID without photo (i.e. certified birth certificate or signed Social Security card)
• Other official document showing the name and address of voter (i.e. eligibility for public benefits, utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck)
• Student photo ID from a state-approved public or private school or institute of higher education in Maine
• Maine driver’s license number or last four digits of Social Security Number

Automatic registration

On June 19, 2019, Gov. Janet Mills signed an automatic voter registration bill into law that was scheduled for implementation in 2022. The law registers voters through the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Online registration

See also: Online voter registration

Maine has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Governor Janet T. Mills (D) signed L.D. 1126 into law on July 9, 2021, allowing online voter registration in Maine. This legislation went into effect on November 1, 2023.

Same-day registration

Maine allows same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements

To register to vote in Maine, you must be a resident of the state. State law does not specify a length of time for which you must have been a resident to be eligible.

Verification of citizenship

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

Maine does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration. An individual must attest that they are a U.S. citizen when registering to vote.

All 49 states with voter registration systems require applicants to declare that they are U.S. citizens in order to register to vote in state and federal elections, under penalty of perjury or other punishment. Seven states — Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, and Wyoming — have laws requiring verification of citizenship at the time of voter registration, whether in effect or not. In three states — California, Maryland, and Vermont — at least one local jurisdiction allows noncitizens to vote in some local elections. Noncitizens registering to vote in those elections must complete a voter registration application provided by the local jurisdiction and are not eligible to register as state or federal voters.

Verifying your registration

The Maine voter information lookup service allows residents to check their voter registration status online.

Voter ID requirements

Maine does not require voters to present identification while voting. If a voter registers to vote on Election Day, he or she must provide identification and proof of residence.

See also

2024 measures

• 2024 ballot measures
• Bond issues on the ballot

Maine

• Maine ballot measures
• Maine ballot measure laws

News and analysis

• Ballot measure lawsuits
• Ballot measure readability
• Ballot measure polls

External links

• Maine LD 1156